Chapter 7: Mama won’t take long
Chapter 5: Mama won't take long
Ashley's world spiraled as she tried, in vain, to explain to Maddy that it was Fred who had come at her. But Maddy's eyes, filled with confusion and tears, told Ashley everything. She didn't believe her.
Fred had twisted the whole story before he gave her a chance to speak anything.
Maddy's confused gaze burned more than any accusation. "I trusted you, Ash... How could you...?"
"I've been your friend for years, Maddy. And I've never lied to you. Why would I start now, huh?" Ashley snapped, unable to contain her frustration anymore.
But Fred seeing how Maddy's demeanour cracked at that immediately stepped forward, his tone calm, almost too calm, like he had the situation under control.
"You're seriously not going to believe her over your husband, are you?" He sounded wronged. "I've told you everything. She's been throwing herself at me, Madison. What was I supposed to do? I've tried to warn her severally, reminding how that I'd never do anything as such to hurt you, but today she came..."
Ashley felt her blood run cold. "That's not what happened, Fred! You know it, you..."
"Enough," Fred interrupted, his voice laced with a forced calmness. "I've been more than generous. All I've done is try to help, and this is how she repays me? You're the one who's let this go too far, Maddy."
Maddy's confused gaze flickered between them, her breath shaky as she tried to process what she was hearing. If not that Ashley could see behind his layered mask, she would almost be tempted to believe him, seeing how convincing Fred sounded. She'd almost question her sanity, to think she was making things up.
"I've told you before now, didn't I?" Fred continued. "We can't continue accommodating and feeding a grown lady and a child we didn't ask for."